Social Distancing could be part of Irish life until a vaccine for coronavirus is available, according to the Health Minister.
Simon Harris said there is "no magic point" at the start of May where life before Covid-19 can resume.
A vaccine for the virus is not expected to be available for 12 to 18 months.
Minister Harris said any restrictions that can be changed will depend on how we suppress the virus for the next three weeks.
"I think being truthful, social distancing is going to remain a very big part of life not just in Ireland but the world over," said Mr Harris.
He said this is likely to continue until a vaccine is produced or "an effective treatment for the coronavirus" is developed.
Meanwhile, a top HSE official said social distancing has made a difference against the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland.
HSE Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry said it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how, but it is helping.
Dr Henry said it is not possible for the health service to be "absolutely prescriptive" about which elements of social distancing have made the difference in stopping the spread of coronavirus in Ireland, for example maintaining 2m distances from others, or reducing the amount of contact below 15 minutes etc.
However, he said: "The whole lot together, and people working together and complying (with the guidelines) has made a difference."
The current restrictions started on Friday, March 27 and will run until May 5 at least. They mandate that everyone should stay at home, only leaving to:
Shop for essential food and household goods;
- Attend medical appointments, collect medicine or other health products;
- Care for children, older people or other vulnerable people - this excludes social family visits;
- Exercise outdoors - within 2kms of your home and only with members of your own household, keeping 2 metres distance between you and other people
- Travel to work if you provide an essential service - be sure to practice physical distancing
